Karin Waldenström Mikkola

Mrs. Karin Waldenström Mikkola, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at home with her children. She was born on February 15, 1948, in Jakobstad, Finland to Magnus and Ruth Waldenström. At the age of 8, she immigrated to Chicago with her whole family. Karin was a devout Christian who shared her love and kindness with everyone she met. Over the years, Karin had many jobs. She was a beautician, Real Estate Broker, a Developer and General Contractor, and her final and favorite job was working with children at Imprints Childcare. Karin loved to sew, craft, swim at the YMCA, and play cards and dominos with close groups of friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend who gave the best hugs. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. 

In addition to her parents, Karin was preceded in death by her loving husband, Erkki Mikkola and two brothers, Hans and John Waldenström. 

Left to cherish her memory are her two children, Lisa Buzzard (husband, Mark) and Peter Mikkola; one granddaughter, Evelina Buzzard; her brother, Carl Waldenström (wife, Sharon); sister-in-law, Nancy Waldenström; her inherited daughter, Odessa Gordon and her husband, Eric and their two sons, Joseph and Daniel; as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family here and abroad. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at her home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis TN 38105-3678, USA or to an organization of the donors choosing. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.